Easy Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipes

June 21, 2023 Post a Comment

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Chicken Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Foodness Gracious from foodnessgracious.com

Description

If you're looking for a quick and easy meal that's packed with flavor and nutrients, then you might want to try chicken and broccoli pasta. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have much time to cook. Chicken and broccoli pasta is a delicious and healthy meal that you can make in just a few minutes.

Prep Time

The prep time for this dish is about 10-15 minutes, depending on how fast you chop the vegetables and cook the chicken.

Cook Time

The cook time for this dish is around 20-25 minutes. It takes longer to cook the pasta than the chicken and broccoli.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
1 pound pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet or wok for cooking chicken and broccoli
Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables and chicken
Measuring cups and spoons
Garlic press (optional)

Method

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the garlic and onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the broccoli florets and chicken broth to the skillet. Cover and cook until the broccoli is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and broccoli. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Divide the pasta among serving plates and serve hot.

Notes

You can use any type of pasta you like for this dish, but penne, fusilli, or rotini work best.
If you don't have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water instead.
If you want to make this dish even healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta and low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
You can add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce if you like it spicy.

Nutrition Info

This recipe yields 6 servings. Each serving contains:

Calories: 527
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 93mg
Sodium: 378mg
Potassium: 732mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Vitamin A: 700IU
Vitamin C: 68mg
Calcium: 207mg
Iron: 3mg

Recipes FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if you don't have fresh. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, just reheat the sauce and cook the pasta.

Recipe Tips

Make sure to season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance the flavor.
Cut the chicken and broccoli into bite-size pieces to make it easier to eat.
Don't overcook the broccoli or it will become mushy.
Use a large skillet or wok to prevent overcrowding and ensure that everything cooks evenly.
Don't rinse the pasta after cooking, as it will remove the starch that helps the sauce adhere to it.